Ammon News - The United Nations has called for the opening of all crossings into the Gaza Strip and the mobilization of the wider humanitarian community to adequately address the territory’s needs during the winter.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said the organization had been warning for months of the need to bring essential winter supplies into Gaza.

In a statement posted on X last night, Fletcher said several foreign ministers and partners had reaffirmed their support but reiterated that making progress would be difficult before the Israeli elections. He stressed that waiting for a new government to be formed was unacceptable under international humanitarian law.

Fletcher said a clear plan had been drawn up to deliver essential supplies to Gaza, including more durable shelter, warm clothing, blankets, safe heating solutions, fuel, generators, and pumps to remove floodwater, clear rubble and dispose of unexploded ordnance.

He warned that many risks could be prevented if adequate shelter were available, aid workers were allowed to provide suitable tents and essential winter supplies, and Palestinians were permitted to access open areas less prone to flooding.

Fletcher called for urgent action, demanding that all crossings be opened, key non-governmental organizations be allowed to operate, what he described as collective punishment be brought to an end, and the winter response plan be funded.

Initial estimates indicate that more than 200,000 people in Gaza have been affected by the recent rains and flooding and are in need of humanitarian assistance. The flooding has caused several deaths and damaged the shelters of more than 40,000 families.


WAFA